Diocese ministry devoted to reconciliation after abortion

March 27, 2002|By HILLARY DICKERSON

GAYLORD - For many people, having an abortion is not and never would be an option. But for those who do go through the procedure, the decision comes with often inescapable realities. In most cases, that person's being is forever altered, life is never quite the same. While some remain oblivious to the fact abortions touch the lives of people in northern Michigan, at least one group is trying to open communication and create an environment in which understanding, healing and forgiveness can prosper.

So it is, in an attempt to reach out to women who have undergone abortions, the men in their lives and all others who may have been affected by the decision, the Diocese of Gaylord is organizing a unique ministry devoted entirely to healing and reconciliation.

"It's amazing the lives (abortion) touches," said Beth Bauer, the new secretariat of social justice for the diocese. She talked of older women - many of whom underwent abortions 30 or more years ago and have not been able to move on with their lives, always acting in the wake of that decision. There are husbands and fathers, family members and siblings of the unborn child who are left to ponder all the "what ifs."

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Although Project Rachel - the name given to the ministry - is not new to the Catholic church, the concept is just beginning to take hold within the local northern Michigan faith community. There's still much planning and preparation to be done.

Bauer is heading up the project and remains hopeful it will make a difference in the lives of people in this area who have dealt in silence up to this point. "This is a wonderful program," said Bauer, who started in her position with the diocese in late November. "I'm really excited about it."

According to Bauer, from reading she's done in recent weeks, many women who have undergone abortions believe they've committed the ultimate in unforgivable acts. To punish themselves, the women often end up in violent relationships, abuse drugs and alcohol, have eating disorders and constantly struggle to form bonds with other children. There is an ever present sense of guilt, noted Bauer.

In addition to the healing and hope Project Rachel intends to bring to the lives of those working through abortion trauma, the diocese would also like to establish connections with other local agencies for referrals. "What we want to do is network with any agency out there," explained Bauer.

To get the program off the ground, the secretariat is talking with all priests in the diocese. Many of them, Bauer noted, know of women and families dealing with the aftereffects of abortion and can reach out with assistance through the new program.

The next several steps will involve education. Bauer noted the importance of letting those suffering know that they can heal and that they will be able to become a part of the community once again.

A workshop is planned for August when a abortion healing educator from Milwaukee, Wis., will be at the diocese to train priests in Project Rachel. "She'll discuss what it means to have had an abortion," said Bauer of the emotional and physical impact felt. The day following the initial training of the Catholic clergy, other clergy, doctors, counselors and interested people will be welcomed to the diocese to learn more about the program.

Bauer will facilitate perhaps the most important component of Project Rachel - an 11-week program throughout the year for those healing from an abortion. The group - held in various locations throughout diocese - will discuss why the decision was made and walk through the abortion itself. The child will be identified, often named and then given to God, Bauer noted.

"The women need the support of the community to bring them back," Bauer explained of the process, referring to how difficult it will be for some to accept what has taken place and open their hearts in forgiveness. "We're called to forgive."

Bauer is hopeful many of the women who participate in the 11-week programs will return to facilitate and share their own stories in the future. "They need to be heard and validated," concluded Bauer. "They need to be able to talk and grieve this."

Project Rachel is open to people of all faiths. For more information on Project Rachel, people may call the diocese at 732-5147.